The “Telcoin ($TEL) Rewards” scam is a phishing platform hosted on the deceptive domain rewards-telcoin[.]xyz, designed to mislead users into believing they are eligible for a legitimate airdrop or community voting event. In truth, it is a fraudulent scheme to gain unauthorized access to crypto wallets and drain their contents, resulting in irreversible financial losses.
Threat Type
Email/Phishing Scam (Cryptocurrency Wallet Drainer)
Threat Summary
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Associated domain | rewards-telcoin[.]xyz |
| Detection names | Suspicious (alphaMountain.ai), flagged on VirusTotal |
| Symptoms of infection | Prompts for fake $TEL token airdrops, wallet connection requests, sudden loss of funds |
| Damage / Distribution methods | Cryptocurrency theft via wallet-draining scripts; spread through fake social media posts, rogue ads, deceptive links |
| Danger level | High – leads to permanent and unrecoverable loss of digital assets |
| Removal tool | SpyHunter – Download SpyHunter |
Scam Breakdown
How I got infected
Users typically encounter the scam through social media posts, misleading advertisements, or impersonated accounts that promote fake airdrop campaigns. The website mimics official cryptocurrency platforms, luring users into trusting the fraudulent interface.
What does it do
After clicking on the “Vote Now” or “Claim Rewards” button, victims are prompted to connect their cryptocurrency wallet (e.g., MetaMask). Once connected, malicious scripts authorize transactions that siphon tokens out of the victim’s wallet and into the attacker’s control. These transactions are performed under the guise of legitimate smart contract interactions.
Should you be worried for your system?
Yes. Although the scam doesn’t install traditional malware on your system, it poses a significant risk to your financial assets. Any wallet that was connected to the fraudulent site should be considered compromised. Funds stolen through this scam cannot be recovered due to the irreversible nature of blockchain transactions.
Dealign with Crypto Scams – Method 1: Manual Removal Guide
Follow these steps to manually remove crypto scams and protect your system.
Step 1: Identify the Crypto Scam Source
- Check if you’ve been contacted by a scammer through email, Telegram, Discord, WhatsApp, or social media.
- Identify any malicious software installed on your system, such as fake wallet apps or browser extensions.
- Scan your browser history and emails for phishing links.
Step 2: Report and Freeze Crypto Transactions (If Possible)
- Contact your crypto exchange immediately if you suspect fraud.
- Check if your transaction is pending (some blockchains allow canceling or replacing a transaction).
- Report the scam to authorities such as:
Step 3: Remove Malicious Software and Fake Wallet Apps
- Windows Users:
- Open Control Panel > Programs and Features
- Look for unknown apps related to crypto wallets or trading bots.
- Click Uninstall.
- Mac Users:
- Open Finder > Applications
- Locate suspicious apps and drag them to the Trash.
- On Mobile (Android & iOS):
- Go to Settings > Apps (Android) or General > iPhone Storage (iOS).
- Uninstall any unrecognized crypto wallet apps.
Step 4: Clear Browser Data and Remove Malicious Extensions
- Google Chrome:
- Go to chrome://extensions/
- Remove unfamiliar or suspicious extensions.
- Firefox, Edge, Safari:
- Open settings and remove unauthorized extensions.
- Clear Cache & Cookies:
- Open browser settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data
Step 5: Reset Passwords & Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- Change passwords for your crypto exchanges, wallets, and emails.
- Use a strong, unique password for each account.
- Enable 2FA on all critical accounts (Google Authenticator or YubiKey recommended).
Step 6: Scan for Malware and Keyloggers
Even if you removed software manually, some malware can still lurk in your system. Use a security tool to perform a deep scan (see SpyHunter method below for an automatic removal process).
Step 7: Monitor Your Accounts & Funds
- Track your crypto wallet transactions using Etherscan or Blockchain Explorer.
- Keep an eye on email login alerts from suspicious locations.
- Use a hardware wallet (Ledger, Trezor) for better security.
Method 2: Automatic Removal Using SpyHunter
For a fast and reliable way to remove crypto scam-related malware, use SpyHunter.
Step 1: Download SpyHunter
Step 2: Install SpyHunter
- Run the SpyHunter setup file.
- Follow the on-screen installation steps.
- Open SpyHunter once installed.
Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan
- Click on "Start Scan Now" to analyze your system.
- Wait for the scan to detect crypto scam malware, spyware, keyloggers, and phishing trojans.
Step 4: Remove Threats Automatically
- Click "Fix Threats" after the scan completes.
- SpyHunter will eliminate malware, fake apps, and browser hijackers.
Step 5: Protect Your System from Future Crypto Scams
- Enable SpyHunter's Real-Time Protection to block phishing sites and prevent future infections.
- Regularly scan your system for new threats.
Prevention Tips: How to Avoid Crypto Scams in the Future
- Always verify website URLs before logging into exchanges or wallets.
- Avoid unsolicited investment offers on Telegram, Discord, and email.
- Never share your private keys or recovery phrases with anyone.
- Use a hardware wallet instead of online wallets.
- Regularly update your antivirus and anti-malware software.
- Be skeptical of high-return crypto investment schemes.
Conclusion
The Telcoin ($TEL) Rewards scam is a deceptive and dangerous phishing scheme targeting cryptocurrency users through fake airdrop events. By masquerading as a legitimate Telcoin promotion, the attackers exploit user trust and technical mechanisms of blockchain wallets to steal funds. Avoid connecting your wallet to unverified sites, and always confirm the legitimacy of any airdrop or reward program before interacting.
To ensure your system is not compromised by related browser hijackers or malware components often bundled with phishing campaigns, scan your device using a reputable malware removal tool like SpyHunter.
